China has put Defense Minister Dong Jun under investigation over a corruption-related scandal, a report citing U.S. officials said Wednesday, in a development that could undermine efforts to maintain military-to-military communications just months before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Dong is the third consecutive incumbent or former defense chief to be probed over alleged corruption in a wide-ranging scandal that has hit the top echelons of China’s People’s Liberation Army, the Financial Times reported, citing current and former U.S. officials.
He has been defense minister since December last year, following the firing of his predecessor, Li Shangfu, over alleged corruption after just seven months in the position.